A $4 Million Verdict And International Fraud Cases: SMC Judge Wins Top Honor

REDWOOD CITY, CA — Before taking the bench in San Mateo County, a local judge worked on international corruption cases for the U.S. Department of Justice and helped secure a multimillion-dollar verdict in a case involving a Chilean death squad. Now, her career has earned her one of the county’s top legal honors.

Superior Court Judge Nicole S. Healy, who oversees the court’s civil division, was named Judge of the Year by the San Mateo County Trial Lawyer's Association in recognition of her judicial service, legal experience and commitment to the community, according to an announcement from the court Wednesday.

“We are incredibly proud of Judge Healy and this well-deserved recognition,” said Judge Stephanie Garratt. “Judge Healy brings a tremendous depth of experience, professionalism, and dedication to her work.”

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Healy was appointed to the Superior Court of San Mateo County on July 30, 2021, and serves as supervising judge of the civil division.

Her cases include complex class actions, labor disputes, business and contract disputes, claims against government agencies, land-use matters and personal injury cases. She also serves as the court’s assigned elections judge and is one of two judges assigned to cases involving the California Environmental Quality Act, known as CEQA.

Before joining the bench, Healy worked in the U.S. Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, where she investigated and prosecuted cases involving foreign bribery, defense procurement fraud and other international financial crimes. She also participated in U.S. government negotiations for three international anti-corruption treaties.

After returning to California, she practiced civil litigation at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, handling securities class actions, shareholder lawsuits and business disputes. Her pro bono work included serving on a trial team that secured a $4 million verdict against a member of a Chilean death squad, according to the court.

She later joined Ropers Majeski Kohn & Bentley, continuing her civil litigation practice.

Healy earned her law degree from UCLA School of Law and bachelor's and bachelor's-level design degrees from the University of California, Davis, where she studied art studio and design.

She has also written and spoken extensively on financial crime and compliance issues. Her work includes "The Anti-Money Laundering Deskbook."

The award recognizes Healy's legal career and her work on the San Mateo County Superior Court, where she presides over civil cases involving individuals, businesses and government agencies.